The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-11-27

AS Virgil parted from his friends, he
looked at his watch. 1t was quarter past
ii o'clock. Services had begun fifteen min
utes ago. Stiffness reigned about the gates
and in the yard. the church yard loafers
having either gone into the church or re-
paired to some other quarters in the vicinity
to await the dismission of the congrega-
ton when they would return in full force to
fix thier impudent gaze upon the ladies as
they came out. A young man of the tut
terly-utter type, however, was promenad-
ing up and down the veStibule as only an
animal of the "Wilde" species can prone
made.
Virgil bowed to the creature whom he had
the misfortune to know, and, opening the
middle door of the church, passed quietly up
the carpeted aisle and entered his pew. DIR.
Lansing was reading Psalm, and a feeling
of deep humility filled the breast of our
hero as the familiar yet beautiful words of
the Royal Singer fell upon his hearing
''Lord, make me to know mine end, and the
measure of my days. what it is; that may
know how frail am. Behold, Thou hast
made my days as an handbreadth, and mine
age is as nothing before Thee. Verify,
every man, at his best state, is altogether
vanity"
posite side of the aisle, sat Pauline, and to
her left were seated her parents.
The exquisite and becoming manner in
which the young lady was attired set off her
blonde beauty to a great advantage. She
wore blue merino sacque, richly embroid-
cred, and white null muslin dress, beauti-
fully and profusely trimmed with lace.
Mr.. NORRIS and his good wife each be-
slowed a smile and a bow upon the young
lawyer as he glanced toward them; but Pau
line ignored his presence entirely, and
throughout the services kept her eyes fast
ened upon DIR. Lansing, though | dare say
she was thinking all the time of him who
sat opposite.
'How provoking she Isl" mentally ex-
claimed Virgil, after he had vainly tried to
catch her eve. II can be as obstinate as
you, my young lady"
And, with a naughty shrug of his
shoulders, he turned his attention toward
the pulpit.
But there came scene after the sermon
that touched the proud hearts of these
young people.
After the singing of the hymn that fol-
lowed the sermon, the pastor quietly made
his exit through the door to the left of the
pulpit. The pulpit was noiselessly rolled
through an aperture in the wall beneath the
choir-gallery, and soon thereafter DR.. Ian
sing, in his baptisrnal robes, emerged into
the baptistly, leading by the hand fair,
angel-faced boy, who, gentle reader, was 10
other than our little Milton. A holy hush
fell upon the vast congregation as they
gazed upon the beautiful picture.
Virgil turned toward Pauline; for the
first time during the services their gaze
met, and simultaneously tears sprang to
their eyes.
Remember Thy Creator in the days of
thy YOUTH said the minister, as he and the
lad paused in the centre of the baptistry.
Then placing his hand upon the little fell
lows sunny head he continued: In obedi-
snce to the command of our Lord and Sa-
viour Jesus Christ, baptize thee, my little
brother, in the name of the Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost. Amen
Quietly, gently, the young believer was
laid beneath the waves, and as the boylsh
form arose from the watery grave, the
grand organ above burst forth like distant
thunder and the occupants of the choir gal
lery broke forth in joyous praise to the
Trinity, ''Glory to the Father and to the
Son and to the Holy Ghost. AS it was in
the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen"
AS the last strain died away, the minister,
standing in the water, lifted his hands and
pronounced the benediction, after which the
vast throng began to disperse, amid plain
tive strains from the organ.
Virgil, with tears in his eyes, approached
Pauline and said:
Pauline, see that the touching baptism
of him we both love has moved our hearts
deeply. Will you not forgive my hateful
conduct of Friday and let it all be as it
was before? Will you give me your hand,
little sister, in token of your forgiveness"
The girl was SO overcome with emotion
that she could not speak for full minute.
Then holding out her hand, she said.
1T shall be as it was before, Virgil"
$50 you are both friends again." cried
Mr.. NORRIS, coming forward.
Eyes, sir; we are friends again" replied
Virgil, laughing. ''Aren't we, PaulineW
II believe So" she returned, smiling
through her tears.
81 suppose you will dine with us to-day,
will you not, Virgil?" asked Mrs. NORRIS.
MAY l, Pauline" inquired the young
lawyer, mischievously.
"Just as you please, sir replied Pauline,
but in a far different tone from that in
which she had uttered the same words two
days before.
Tho church had by this time become al
most empty A worshiper loitered here and
there in the galleries and about the doors.
Our little group were waiting for Milton.
Presently the little fellow came bounding
down the pulpit steps, followed by old
Jerry. !.
May l have the first kiss, Virgil" asked
Pauline, turning to the young lawyer.
IF you wish it, Paulie."
Milton, by this time, had reached them,
and, throwing her arms around the boys
neck, Pauline exclaimed:
God bless you, darling You looked like
an angel as you stood in the water. Didn't
he, Virgilp'
eyes, he did," and, STOPPING, the young
lawyer kissed his brother II am very
proud of my little brother, and hope the
good Lord, to whom you have given your
heart in your boyhood, will always be with
you"
Mr. Morriss and his wife, too, bestowed
kiss upon the little fellow. Then the happy
party turned their faces toward the tobac-
conist home, in the West End
CHAPTER XIV.
Absence, with all it's pains,
Is by this charming moment wiped away.